Suture cutter

Abstract

Suture cutter embodiments include elements for cutting back the leads of a suture after the suture has been tied into a knot, e.g., as a result of drawing tissue portions together. The suture cutter may include mechanisms which can be used to push and position a knot, so that a single device may be used to both push a knot and trim the excess material therefrom.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. An apparatus for severing end portions of a suture, in which the suture extends from a sutured tissue portion, comprising: 
       an elongate member having a distal end portion, said elongate member sized to be inserted into a tissue tract with said distal end portion of said elongate member adjacent the sutured tissue portion, said distal end portion including:  
       at least one suture receptacle; and  
       a suture severing element disposed adjacent to said at least one suture receptacle such that at least one suture end portion within said at least one suture receptacle is severed upon activation of said severing element;  
       wherein said elongate member includes at least two longitudinal members which are rotatable with respect to each other, said longitudinal members including respective blade members at respective distal end portions of said longitudinal members, said blade members severing the suture upon rotation of one of said at least two longitudinal members with respect to another of said at least two longitudinal members.